East Kutai Allocates Rp250 Million Per RT to Strengthen MSMEs
Sangatta, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The RT Fund Programme run by the East Kutai Regency Government in East Kalimantan, worth Rp250 million per neighbourhood unit (RT), can be used for various local community needs, including strengthening the role of micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Use these RT funds in a directed manner to open business opportunities, strengthen SMEs, help farmers and fishermen, improve the environment, and meet the basic needs of the community,” said East Kutai Regent Ardiansyah Sulaiman in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, on Friday.
This year, every RT in East Kutai receives an allocation of Rp250 million. This figure was initially Rp100 million in 2025, then increased by Rp150 million through a budget revision, bringing it to Rp250 million per RT in 2026.
There are 1,860 RTs spread across villages and urban wards in East Kutai Regency, meaning the total budget allocated by the local government for all RTs this year reaches Rp465 billion.
The use of these funds is governed by East Kutai Regent Regulation Number 13 of 2025, which stipulates that their utilisation is decided through RT community deliberation and focused on four main areas: meeting basic needs, poverty alleviation and economic improvement, social affairs and welfare, and environment and services.
The Regent explained that, in terms of poverty alleviation and economic improvement, activities that could be carried out include business capital assistance for groups, skills training, marketing of local products, and support for small traders and SME players within the RT.
According to the Regent, SME players must be encouraged to seek market opportunities so that production can increase and expand employment at the RT level, particularly for local residents living in poverty.
The funds can also be used to enhance the skills of young people who wish to start businesses, thereby giving rise to new productive ventures.
Previously, while inaugurating interim members of the Village Consultative Body (BPD) in North Sangatta Village last week, the Regent also touched on the implementation of the Rp250 million RT Fund Programme.
He cited Swarga Bara Village, which has 66 RTs and therefore manages a budget of around Rp16.5 billion. The size of these funds presents an opportunity to bring about significant change if used in a directed manner, on target, and in accordance with the real needs of the community.
“With a budget this large, I hope there will no longer be any residents left behind or living in poverty. Use this budget to open business opportunities, strengthen SMEs, help farmers and fishermen, and for other activities needed by the community,” said the Regent.